BRIC’S Milano

When traveling I like to think I look like a movie star of yesteryear, breezing into the airport dressed like I belong in First Class with luggage to match. I have used some exquisite cases in the past from handmade leather to super brand luggage like Louis Vuitton, but these always seemed to let me down, not in the style sense but in durability and function. Whether it be scuffing, zips breaking or just not enough space inside to pack all the essentials, these cases have come and gone and now collecting dust.

So in my search for the perfect luggage I came across BRIC’s Milano. Founded in 1952 by Mario Briccola, BRIC’S Milano has been hand-crafting travel bags and fine leather goods for over sixty years. Located in the beautiful Lake Como region of Northern Italy, BRIC’S today remains a family business owned and operated by Mario’s sons, daughters and grandchildren. When I saw that Hollywood A-listers, New York socialites, fashion designers and business executives sought the coveted handmade craftsmanship of BRIC’S I knew it was the brand for me!

When looking at the amazing ranges of cases and luggage I chose the Bellagio range, I thought it best suited my design aesthetic in terms of classic luxury and the range has several size options and matching luggage and handbags to complete the look. The Bellagio range has a collection of high-tech rigid trolleys with a classic design and their external shell in Makrolon® polycarbonate guarantees an extremely lightweight and shock and scratch resistance case. My favourite touch to the Bellagio design is the vegetable-tanned Tuscan Leather that finishes the look with a touch of class.

I went for the 21 inch Bellagio carry on trolley so I could use the case for both short haul trips and as hand luggage for long haul and the 18 inch carry-on holdall from Bric’s Life collection. The 21 inch business trolley from Bric’s Bellagio collection is made in embossed synthetic material which makes it durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for people who are always on the move and looking for practicality and comfort, people like me. The dimensions of the trolley also mean that it can be taken on board the plane with you as hand luggage. The 18 inch carry-on holdall from Bric’s LIFE collection is perfect for holding all your personal items for short trips or weekends away, while always guaranteeing impeccable style. Made in suede look synthetic material, it is durable and easy to clean. The best feature is the strap on the back that allows for the holdall to be secured to my Bellagio carry-on trolley handle, making it easier to carry and completes the look.

The exterior of the Bellagio cases are made from Makrolon® polycarbonate that is lightweight, flexible and ultra-resistant, it has a large, zipped front pocket with rounded edges containing an organiser, which can be accessed without having to open the trolley, perfect for holding a laptop or tablet thanks to its padded covering. The case has a top leather handle for ease of use when carried by hand and the 4 high quality swivelling wheels guarantee it can be moved in any direction with the utmost quiet. There is a comfortable and functional pull-along handle with three intermediate stop positions that can be selected via a press-stud button, I loved that it is longer than usual cases making it easier for taller people to wheel along. The interior is lined and divided into two compartments, one closes with a zip and comes with a mesh pocket, the second has a large compartment with a zip and garment bag hook that can hold up to three hangers. The case also features an integrated TSA lock which is perfect for international travel allowing airport security access without damage to the case or lock. The four double swivelling wheels, which are made to high Japanese quality standards, allow for easy 360° rotation in all directions, all the while ensuring the utmost quiet thanks to their rubber coating. This is a great feature, changing direction with the case is easy and seamless, you can also wheel the case upright due to this feature making moving around much less taxing on your arms. The outside of the case is finished with vegetable tanned Tuscan leather with contrasting stitching and golden studs and includes a leather address tag.

This case is the perfect combination; outstanding Italian design that makes you the envy of other travellers but durable, roomy and well made making packing a chore of the past. I have travelled from Venice to Budapest and Phuket to New York with my Brics and have taken it both as carry on and hold luggage and I am always so impressed with everything about the case from wheelie it through the airport to putting it in the overhead locker but the best of all is I look a million dollars doing it. Twinned with my 18 inch carry-on holdall I look quite the part at the airport and onwards, I have been complimented all over the world in person and on social media on my case and holdall and it is easy to see why. Brics luggage is the epitome of style BUT there is no compromise as to style over substance with this brand, their cases perform in all facets of luggage requirements and make travelling even more pleasurable and more stylish.

BRIC’S Luggage and Accessories are available in selected stores worldwide including caseluggage.com and online.